About
Phyteuma orbiculare, the round-headed horned rampion, is a rare native perennial limited in the UK to a few southern counties, producing deep-blue flowers on unbranched stems 30�50 cm tall above a cluster of oval to lance-shaped leaves. The unusual globular flowerheads consist of up to 30 narrow, tubular, incurved flowers appearing from early to late summer. A beautiful wildflower for a chalk or limestone rock garden or meadow.
About the genus
Phyteuma, the horned rampions, are herbaceous perennials native to Europe with alternate, petiolate leaves and dense panicles of narrow, five-lobed flowers in purple, pale blue, white or pink. Grown in well-drained rock gardens and borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationOccurs naturally in open chalk grassland preferring neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil in a sunny spot
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free